Conservation
During the National Trust's management of Ayers House, a series of major conservation projects has been undertaken to restore this grand mansion to its original glory. In 1997 a team of decorative artists commenced taking paint scrapings in the family dining and sitting rooms to reveal the decoration which lay hidden beneath five layers of white paint. They exposed a treasure trove of beautiful and ornate painted finishes and with an overall pattern established they commenced reinstating the original decoration using a series of intricate stencils.
Completed in 2002 with a combined Commonwealth Federation Grant and State funding of $1.6 million, was the property's most significant project which saw original painted finishes reinstated throughout the house and works undertaken to return the property to its appearance of the late nineteenth century.
The last phase of this restoration program was carried out in 2005 with works to stabilise and conserve the beautiful but fragile ceiling of the underground Summer Sitting Room.
The National Trust of South Australia
The National Trust is Australia's largest community-based conservation organisation, which works to conserve Australia's cultural and natural heritage for present and future generations.
The National Trust continues to undertake projects to maintain and conserve some of South Australia's most historically significant buildings and collections. The National Trust is independent of government and relies on the financial support of membership subscriptions and property admissions.
JOIN THE NATIONAL TRUST TODAY and gain a variety of benefits which include free admission to all National Trust properties in Australia and throughout the world.
For more information, membership enquiries or donations visit www.nationaltrustsa.org.au or telephone: (08) 8212 1133
